SOUTH AFRICA
In 2019, South Africa embarked on a journey to navigate the complexities and opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution by establishing the Presidential Commission on Fourth Industrial Revolution. This commission, composed of leaders from academia, business, and civil society, aims to craft a shared future for South Africa in this new technological era. The commission’s primary objective is to position the country to harness the benefits of 4IR, ensuring inclusive growth, sustainable development, and overall well-being. The commission’s efforts align with national AI policies, focusing on inclusive growth and sustainable development to ensure that South Africa remains competitive and innovative in the global arena.
Parallel to this initiative, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) has been conducting a Consensus Study on the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Genetics and Genomics in South Africa since 2016. This study addresses critical issues in research, health service provision, and forensic applications (both medical and legal) related to genetics and genomics. The aim is to produce a well-researched document that incorporates international best practices tailored to local conditions and insights from a panel of experts. This document will assist the national Departments of Health and Science and Technology in drafting relevant legislation, regulations, and guidelines.
The consensus study focuses on providing an enabling policy environment for AI, particularly in the realms of public governance, science, and technology. The direct beneficiaries are higher education institutes and public research institutes, and the study supports the creation of policies that ensure trustworthy and human-centric AI applications. By addressing these ethical, legal, and social implications, the study aims to facilitate responsible and beneficial advancements in genetics and genomics in South Africa.
Together, these initiatives reflect South Africa’s commitment to advancing its technological and scientific capabilities while ensuring ethical considerations and inclusive growth. The Presidential Commission on Fourth Industrial Revolution and the ASSAf’s consensus study are pivotal in shaping South Africa’s strategic approach to emerging technologies, fostering innovation, and ensuring that these advancements contribute positively to society.